With Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield's next DLC expansion coming this fall to players worldwide, players are already speculating on the possibility for the release of even more expansions. Nintendo hasn't confirmed if any more DLC is in development or if there will be any more at all after the Crown Tundra's release.
One of the most popular pieces of speculation surrounds the possible return of the Kalos region for Sword and Shield, which is the setting of Pokemon's sixth generation with it premiering in Pokemon X and Pokemon Y. Additionally, the Kalos region is where the Fairy-type and Mega Evolution appeared for the first time in-game.
If Mega Evolution were to make a comeback in future DLC for Sword and Shield, some may wonder how it would interact with the Galar region's signature Dynamaxing system. These questions additionally expand to how they would be balanced with each other during competitive PVP battles online and locally.
For those who aren't familiar with Mega Evolutions, it is similar to the Gigantamax variation of Dynamaxing found in Sword and Shield. Like in these games, the affected Pokemon gain new forms and have their stats changes. However, Mega Evolution can occur in any location and will last until the Pokemon faints or the battle ends. Only one Pokemon can Mega Evolve in a trainer's party per battle. However, only certain Pokemon can Mega Evolve and they must be holding a special Mega Evolution stone specific to them to evolve.
In the mainline Pokemon games, there are 46 Pokemon that can Mega Evolve and 48 different Mega Evolutions with both Charizard and Mewtwo having two different Mega Evolutions.
Considering that Mega Evolution and Dynamaxing can only be performed once per battle by a trainer, it is likely that a trainer would not be able to choose both if both options were to be made available. Because of this, players would likely not be able to have the option for both in a competitive battle. The main story of the DLC likely wouldn't follow these rules, but restrictions would likely be required if two players went against each other.
Another problem comes with how some Pokemon with Gigantamax forms also have Mega Evolutions such as Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, and Gengar. It is unknown how the game would handle the possibility of a Mega Evolved Pokemon getting Gigantamaxed or vice versa if it would result in another form change. Some Mega Evolutions result in Pokemon type changes as well, so it is unknown which would take priority.
If Mega Evolution were to return in DLC, PVP battles would likely have different catagories with players choosing either to have a battle with Dynamaxing or a battle with Mega Evolution. It would be the easiest for both balancing and dealing with possible problems that could come from having a Mega Evolved Pokemon and Dynamaxed Pokemon interact on the field.
The Kalos rumor for Sword and Shield is currently unconfirmed, but many fans are continuing to add fuel to the fire of what could be awaiting for Pokemon's future.
Pokemon Sword and Shield are available now on Switch.